Daily
Hattiesburg
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025
Good morning, Hattiesburg. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Macedonia Volunteer Fire Department will host a public open house from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 7 at Station No. 1, 610 Macedonia Road in Petal as part of National Night Out. Firefighters will be joined by first responders from North Forrest Volunteer Fire Department and deputies from the Forrest County Sheriff's Office—offering free food, beverages, games for kids, tours, and smoke alarm checks. WDAM
- ➤ The United Way of the Pine Belt Region kicked off its fall campaign with a community breakfast on Tuesday morning at South Central Place—guest speakers shared how their work helped local groups after January’s freezing weather and March’s tornadoes. They set a donation goal of $375,000 and reached 40% of it—officials said the funds will be used to meet community needs. WDAM
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A student filed a federal lawsuit in Hattiesburg against the University of Southern Mississippi, its Greek life office, and Omega Psi Phi alleging that during a Nu Eta hazing, pledges were beaten with a wooden paddle—resulting in injuries that led to surgery, hospitalization, and a long recovery period. Mississippi Today
- ➤ A federal lawsuit was filed against USM and its Omega Psi Phi fraternity after former student Rafeal Joseph was severely injured in a hazing incident that began in December 2022 and peaked on April 17 with a 'Hell Night' where he was beaten with a 2×4 plank—his injuries required two emergency room visits, surgery, a blood transfusion, and left him unable to walk. WJTV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ U.S. News & World Report has ranked 7 Mississippi colleges among the best, listing Ole Miss as the top national university and Millsaps College as the leading national liberal arts college. The list also names top regional schools such as Blue Mountain Christian along with other institutions noted for strong academic performance. Hattiesburg American
- ➤ Jones College in Ellisville surprised its enrollment management team Monday afternoon with a party celebrating record fall enrollment numbers* the college reached a headcount of 5,057 and 63,341 semester credit hours, and students can still enroll for the eight-week session starting Oct. 20 while spring registration opens on Oct. 13. WDAM
- ➤ Mississippi is funding two pre-kindergarten programs to help kids get ready for school—one that uses early learning collaboratives with local partnerships and strict rules, and a new SIP program that offers a simpler option for districts with fewer funds—letting communities like Petal and Union choose what fits their needs. WJTV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hattiesburg marks 100 years of Highland Cemetery with a new online tool that helps families find where loved ones are buried and locate sites at Oaklawn and South Hill cemeteries—this tool will keep historic records safe for future generations. WDAM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Moore’s Bicycle Shop in Hattiesburg will offer the opioid overdose drug Naloxone and a training session on administering it on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (located at 1607 Hardy St.), while crews also provide resources on treatment and recovery options. WDAM
- ➤ The FDA announced that over 80,000 bags of shrimp—sold at Kroger and other stores from June 12 through Sept. 17—will be recalled due to possible radioactive cesium-137 contamination from unsanitary processing at an Indonesian firm, and customers are advised to return or discard the product. SuperTalk Mississippi Media
- ➤ A new University of Mississippi study found that 39% of college students have gambled and 16% have placed sports bets even though it is illegal in Mississippi—many reported financial losses and regret. Researchers said students, especially those who are male and living off campus, face higher risks and urged colleges and parents to boost prevention and counseling efforts. SuperTalk Mississippi Media
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Mississippi's top high school volleyball players are being voted on as the 2025 MHSAA and MAIS seasons reach their halfway point + voters can cast one vote per hour until the poll closes at noon on Saturday. Hattiesburg American
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James McMurtry Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night of Texas music with James McMurtry and special guest BettySoo.
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Shrek The Musical by Picayune Theatre Company
7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a full-scale musical adventure with Shrek and friends in this vibrant community production.
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Shrek - The Musical
7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a larger-than-life fairytale adventure with a talented cast in this high-energy musical.
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Hocus Pocus Movie Night Experience
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Special event price — Experience a magical night with costume contests and themed treats at this enchanting screening.
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Taste Of The South Food Truck Festival
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Fairley's Wings & More — Free entry — Experience a delicious gathering of food trucks and live music showcasing the best flavors from the South.
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Rainbow Kitten Surprise: Thanks For Coming Tour
7:30-9 p.m. — The Lawn at Lake Terrace — Ticket prices vary — Experience genre-defying music with Rainbow Kitten Surprise's electrifying performance.
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47th C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference
8 AM – 12 PM — The University of Southern Mississippi — $25 confirmation fee — Engage in dynamic discussions and targeted workshops to enhance leadership skills.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The most valuable thing you can make is a mistake - you can't learn anything from being perfect.
~ Adam Osborne
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